John,

Topeka understands the needs of women behind bars because five years ago, she was one of them.

Topeka K. Sam, pictured center

Now, Topeka K. Sam is the Executive Director of The Ladies of Hope Ministries (The LOHM), an organization dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated women get back on their feet after prison. She’s also the founding Director of Dream Corps #cut50’s Dignity for Incarcerated Women campaign.

This week, we’re partnering with Topeka to celebrate incredible women all across the country who are fighting for the sisters, mothers, daughters, and aunties they left behind bars. We’re hosting an incredible conversation with her on our next COVID-19 Dispatch today at 3 PM ET.

Will you be there?

Count me in!

Topeka told us that she wanted to celebrate her 5 year anniversary of being home by lifting up the voices of women who are STILL behind bars during this pandemic, including the moms who will be spending Mother’s Day locked up.

So we’re giving her the celebration she asked for. And we’re looking for people to help amplify the voices of Topeka and the dozens of women who will join us as special guests by sharing the livestream – as it’s happening – with their networks. Is that you? Sign up here if you can help us do that for Topeka.

Andrea Circle Bear recently passed away in federal prison, shortly after giving birth to her baby, as a result of complications from COVID-19. We didn’t need more evidence that prisons are no place for pregnant women, particularly during a pandemic – but her story has touched thousands of people and spread from her immediate family in South Dakota to the front page of the New York Times. Pressure is mounting to urgently release more and more pregnant women from prison facilities nationwide.

Join us to find out what you can do to take action. We really hope to see you today at 3 PM ET, John. This Dispatch is going to be a special one.

- The #cut50 team

PS: Can’t make it today but want to help us produce a future episode? Become an early supporter and help us keep this series running through the pandemic.